If you’re a Bucks County house-hunter looking for something special amid what feels like a three-ring circus of property visits, inspections, offers, counteroffers, and paperwork, a local listing may be of interest.
The home at 2512 Durham Road, Doylestown, offers a wholly appropriate opportunity.
It once belonged to Howard Yonkers Bary, a circus proprietor and agent who gathered attractions and animals for various circuses — including Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey — from the 1940s to the 1960s.
In fact, several animals were housed onsite here, giving it the unofficial nickname the “Buckingham Zoological Garden.”
The 1920s stone manor — the benefactor of numerous updates since then — is surrounded by 8.5 acres of woodlands.
Its solid construction reflects its heritage, with solid-wood paneling and original wood floors.
The light filled family room used to be a paddock with two-foot stone walls between the house and the garage, and in 1967, it was enclosed. It has beamed ceilings, a huge stone wood burning fireplace and access to a half bath and the rear yard and built in pool.
The updated kitchen offers granite counters, newer cabinetry and stainless appliances and sits next to the roomy first floor laundry room.
The dining room is a warm place tp entertain with the stained wood paneling, wood floors and rustic chandelier.
Past there lies the sun room/solarium with beautiful stone walls and windows overlooking the woods. Through double doors lies the living room with a gas fireplace flanked by built in bookshelves and offers glass doors leading to a large front porch.
Upstairs there are five good-sized bedrooms. The main bedroom has a full bath and an additional adjacent bedroom that has ben turned into a dream walk-in closet.
The other bedrooms offer charm, privacy, and flexibility (evidenced by one’s use as an office).
Given that the natural surroundings shield the property nicely, the pool becomes perfect for both relaxation and rejuvenation, far from the bustle of nearby life.
Given that animals were a large part of the original owner’s life, it’s not surprising that the barn is spacious enough for a horse owner. And the home has an on-property dog run.
2512 Durham Road lists for $1,200,000, which means that interested buyers will need to hurry-hurry-hurry with an offer.
More details on this opportunity are at Realtor.com.
Additional installments of the Meridian Bank House of the Week are in the BUCKSCO Today archives.